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LATEST LETTERS

Health insurance legislation

Tuesday, May 29 at 12:03 PM

Michael McGuire of Denver writes:

Governor Ritter, please Sign HB1355, the bill that would stop health insurance rate hikes for as few as one worker’s or dependent’s illness in small groups under 51 employees. The increase affects all group employees of that organization. Even pregnancies have earned a premium hike. It’s hard to have kids without a pregnancy and no one asks for an illness in their family; but watch for cost increases for your whole group if either occurrence happens. Small employers may not employ someone if they suspect an applicant has illness in their family’s health history because their group’s premiums may increase. The Insurance Commissioner testified that she has moral problems with sick Coloradoans having to endure this practice. According to DOI, Coloradoans coverage has decreased under small groups since this practice became legal in 2003 from 392,538 declining each year to 356,692 by 2006 - over 9% decrease. Small businesses are increasing but their employees are losing their health coverage; insured small employers are dropping and uninsured numbers are going up to 774,000 worried Coloradoans. After 2000, premium rates have gone up 82.2%—over 5 times average salary increases. Coloradoans, small employers, and families are asking for relief. If you wonder about this, just look at the list of 19 organizations that ask you to sign this ranging from farmers through small employers and family and children’s organizations to health care reform organizations and AARP.

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